If you have all of the skills that you need to be a wonderful nurse and you want more, you may want to become a nurse manager. Nurse managers are talented leaders that help motivate and encourage their team of nurses to provide the best patient care. Not everyone is capable of leading. Professionals with the skill set needed to be a nurse and the skill set needed to manage a team can take their career to the next level by studying to take on a management role within a nursing unit. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you would like to pursue a job in a field that is projected to grow by 17% by 2024, here are the steps you will need to take:
Decide if Nurse Managing is Right for You
You can attain skills in school to become a talented nurse, but you may not have the inherent skills and qualities that you need to manage a team. Managers do not care directly for patients. Instead, they focus on inspiring a team and monitoring the direct care that they provide. You must be able to provide guidance and act in a more administrative role before you enter this field. If this sounds like something that you can do, leading may be up your alley.
Enroll in a Nursing Program
While there is a small population of nurse managers who have just an RN license and an associate’s degree, a majority of professionals pursuing a nurse manager job will have their Bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Entering a program to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the best path that you can take when you are becoming an RN. By doing this, you will have the education under your belt that you need to at least advance into leadership roles as you work in a clinical setting.
Get Your RN License
Before you manage nursing professionals you need to have been one. This is why it is crucial that you get licensed and prepare to provide direct care for patients. You will need to complete a program that is approved by your state’s nursing board before you can sit for the universal NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass this exam, you will receive a license saying that you can practice in the state.
Get Experience in a Clinical Setting
You should work as a Registered Nurse who takes on clinical management roles for at least a few years. It can help you secure a position if you look for ways to add supervisory responsibilities to your role as a nurse, according to American Nurse Today. If you take the time to earn a graduate degree, you will not need as much experience.
Earn Your Master’s Degree
While it is not required, more and more hospitals are seeking candidates who have their MSN degree. A Master of Science in Nursing will cover advanced coursework for two additional years. If you need to focus on building your administrative skills, you may be better suited for a Master of Healthcare Administration that is more business focused.
Get Certified
The most effective way to capture the attention of recruiters is to get certified. A certified nurse manager has proven they have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed and lead. To earn your certification you must possess your graduate degree and pass an exam.
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If you are able to wear many hats in a nursing unit, you should consider the nurse manager role. Work hard to show off your talents to motivate, expand your knowledge and get certified so that you can become the nurse manager that hospital recruiters are looking for.
